Turns out, beauty sleep is real. With no environmental stressors like UV rays and pollution to challenge against at night, our skin can finally focus its energy on rejuvenating itself. This explains why our AM skincare revolves around protection (think vitamin C and sunscreen), but at night, our routine takes on a different mission with renewing and regenerating formulas to optimise repair.
For many, the nighttime routine has its own significance beyond skincare. It’s also a ritual for us to unwind after a long day filled with responsibilities and commitments. During the uncertainty of the past few years we collectively lived through, such mindfulness has shown to be a coping mechanism as it gives us back control. Some may consider a top-to-toe PM ritual too much effort, but isn’t it simply an act of self-care? Just like hitting the gym or pilates studio to keep our body healthy, taking the time to care for our skin is just another way of showing up for ourselves.
Double Cleansinng
Even on days when you're not wearing makeup, it's always a good idea to double cleanse the day away. The two-step routine begins with using an oil-based product to break down makeup, sunscreen, sebum, and build-up, then followed by a gentle water-based cleanser to wash away any remaining residue and impurities.
While double-cleansing isn’t an absolute necessity for every skin, it’s very helpful in removing non-water-soluble makeup and mineral sunscreen containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide with stronger staying power. Oil attracts oil, which is why oily skin could use double cleansing if regular cleansing alone is not enough to get rid of the sebum.
Regenerative Treatment
Resurfacing acids, renewing actives, growth factors – we’ve all heard about these gold-standard ingredients, and they are most commonly what set apart our AM and PM routine. We’re advised to incorporate retinol and chemical exfoliants like AHAs and BHAs at night, not only because they can increase the skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, but also because night is when our skin enters its repair mode. By encouraging skin cell turnover and collagen production, these potent ingredients help to make the most of the skin’s beauty sleep. Look for products formulated with peptides or ceramides for added comfort. Alternatively, follow with a rich layer of moisturiser powered by these skin-loving ingredients for a strengthened barrier.
Body Moisturising
While we layer up products on our skin and neck, they make up for only 3.5% and 2% of the entire body’s skin – if you’re skimping on body care, you’re not really giving your skin the love and attention it deserves.
Taking its cue from skincare, body serum unlocks a potent, personalised approach to moisturising our body, modified to meet the sensitivity and tolerance of body skin. Unlike conventional body cream with a rich and thick texture, body serum absorbs and hydrates fast, all while delivering targeting active to tackle different concerns. A formula packed with niacinamide restores barrier and glow; reach for acid-laced ones if you’re troubled by body acne or looking for a gentle peel. You can even incorporate a retinol serum for its collagen-boosting and smoothing effects. Whether to seal in all the moisture and goodness with a cream is entirely up to you.
Scalp Care
Scalp is essentially skin, and there’s no way we can achieve that desired soft, silky shiny hair without getting back to the roots. Thanks to the skinification of hair, now we understand the importance of giving the same TLC to our hair, and scalp care is first on the agenda. Just like how we love ingredients like salicylic acid, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and cica in our skincare, our scalp can also benefit from regular exfoliation, a boost in collagen and elastin for healthy hair growth, as well as soothing hydration. It all starts with understanding your scalp’s needs.
Extra Wellness
Elevating your evening routine into a spa-like treat could be just one device or candle pick away. Beauty devices most of the time come with price tags that are too high for trial and error; our tip is to invest in those you will reach for everyday, such as toning massagers and hair stylers that are easy to use and offer visible results. Moreover, it doesn’t have to be a splurge. A handy gua sha or a scented candle is enough to delight and soothe your senses before bed.
